Tuesday’s waiver of second-year defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr. came as a mild surprise when the Pittsburgh Steelers announced their mandatory five roster cuts, though it seemed to signify that he had a setback in his injury. It also helped to clarify what the nickel defense is going to look like, at least to start the season.
That would be calling in James Pierre to play on the outside when the Steelers go with five (or six) defensive backs, which would push Cameron Sutton into the slot. The fifth-year veteran has played in the slot quite a bit over the course of his career, but doesn’t have much experience bouncing in and out over the course of the game.